•The deadline for birthdays is 11 a.m. the day before publication. Dial 362-0389 and press 600 to leave a recording. Spell all names and state birth date. Other deadlines: for Sunday, 11 a.m. Wednesday; for Monday, 11 a.m. Friday. Submit a monthly list of birthdays one week in advance in writing Attention: BIRTHDAYS to accent@thenewsstar.com or 411 N. Fourth St., Monroe, LA, 71201.

•Hometown News announcements are published free of charge as space allows. No information taken by phone. Submissions may be edited for content, style and length. Submit one week in advance in writing Attention: Hometown News to accent@thenewsstar.com or 411 N. Fourth St., Monroe, LA, 71201.